Land promotion

Our team works hard to find new ways to bring major residential and commercial schemes forward through planning, providing vital new homes and jobs. Come help us create the thriving places of tomorrow.

Career opportunities in land promotion

THE BEST PLACE TO DEVELOP YOUR CAREER

Join our family…

We’re one of the largest and most experienced land promotion businesses in the sector. You’ll be joining a brilliant team, in a successful company with a proven track record in acquiring land and delivering valuable planning consents.  We’ve been running for over 125 years and have the values of the Wates family behind us. It’s a big factor in why we have the best reputation in the business.

We offer lots of opportunities across different roles in a wide range of areas, such as land specialists, who find sites for the business. Other roles include land and planning managers who secure allocations and planning consent once the site is secured. There are also commercial land managers who acquire sites for the logistics sector, technical managers, and accountants.  

We have strong development paths for those joining as a graduate and want to support people who are keen to progress. If you’re interested in a particular area, we’ll give you all the help you need to become a specialist. Whatever your ambitions, there are lots of different ways to achieve them. Join us, and we’ll make sure you and your career thrive.

OUR PEOPLE THRIVE

About you…

Whether you have sector experience, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.

In Land, ideally, we’d like you to have a relevant degree in property, planning, business or geography. Above all, you should have a keen interest in land, planning, and development.

In terms of experience, you might have worked with a property agency, as a consultant, housebuilder, or property developer. The most important thing is you need to be very personable, as it’s all about relationships and contacts. Someone who is externally presentable and can embody what Wates is all about.

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from our people

Holly Rush

Development Management Trainee

"I joined Wates with no prior industry experience, and it has been an incredible journey. Through the graduate scheme I worked in the Project team supporting the promotion of land through planning. I am also an active member of the Wates Women and Allies Steering Committee which I’ve gained invaluable insights from. Wates' dedication to excellence and innovative solutions have accelerated my learning curve while allowing me to expand my professional network. Their supportive culture and emphasis on development have made each challenge manageable and rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Wates for anyone seeking a dynamic career path with growth and opportunity.”

CAREERS IN LAND

Want to be a part of our team?

Career opportunities in land promotion

Painter & Decorator

Location: Croydon

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 20-07-2025

We are looking for a skilled and reliable Painter & Decorator to join our WPS Housing Maintenance team in Croydon. This role is essential to maintaining the quality and appearance of our housing stock, ensuring residents live in safe, well-presented homes.Key Responsibilities Carry out all aspects of internal and external painting and decorating. Prepare surfaces for painting and wallpapering, including filling, sanding, and priming. Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with health and safety regulations. Work independently or as part of a team to meet deadlines and quality expectations. Maintain accurate records of work completed and materials used.What We’re Looking For Proven experience in painting and decorating, ideally in a housing or maintenance setting. NVQ Level 2 in Painting & Decorating or equivalent (desirable). Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality finishes. Good communication and customer service skills. Full UK driving licence (preferred).What We Offer A supportive and inclusive team environment. Opportunities for training and career development. Access to a range of employee benefits and wellbeing support.

Project Manager (M&E)

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 08-08-2025

Wates Property Services is seeking a skilled and motivated Project Manager (M&E) to lead delivery of planned works across our North London social housing contracts. You’ll be responsible for managing technically complex mechanical and electrical projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.Key Responsibilities• Oversee M&E project delivery from pre-construction through to handover.• Manage subcontractors and site teams to ensure quality and compliance.• Liaise with clients, residents, and internal stakeholders to maintain strong relationships.• Monitor project progress, budgets, and health & safety performance.• Ensure all works meet Wates’ high standards and client expectations.What We’re Looking For• Proven experience in M&E project management, ideally within social housing or property services.• Strong knowledge of building services, compliance, and CDM regulations.• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.• SMSTS, CSCS, and First Aid certifications preferred.Why Join Wates?• Be part of a purpose-driven team improving homes and communities.• Access to structured career development and training.• Competitive salary, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.• 26 days annual leave plus BH plus your birthday off• Market leading maternity & paternity leave Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Social Value Managers

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Customer Service

Application Deadline: 08-08-2025

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Social Value Manager to join our Wates Property Services team in North London. Based out of our Harringay office, you will lead the development and delivery of social value initiatives across our planned works contracts, ensuring meaningful impact in the communities we serve.You’ll work closely with project teams, local authorities, and community stakeholders to embed social value into every stage of our operations—from pre-construction through to handover. Key Responsibilities• Design and implement social value strategies aligned with client and community needs.• Monitor and report on social value outcomes, including employment, training, and community engagement.• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver measurable impact.• Represent Wates at community forums, stakeholder meetings, and social value networks.• Support bid teams with social value input for tenders and proposals. What We’re Looking For• Proven experience in social value delivery, ideally within housing or property services.• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.• Ability to manage multiple projects and travel across sites.• Knowledge of social value frameworks and reporting tools (e.g. TOMs, Social Value Portal).• Passion for community development and inclusive growth.Wates Property Services Benefits PackageWe offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development, and work-life balance:• Annual Leave: 26 days + bank holidays + your birthday off• Family Leave: Up to 26 weeks fully paid maternity/adoption/surrogacy leave; 8–12 weeks fully paid paternity/partner leave• Health & Wellbeing: Private healthcare, death-in-service benefit, mental health support• Learning & Development: Award-winning training and career progression supportGiven the nature of this position, you will need to undergo an Enhanced and Barred Lists Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Contract Support Lead

Location: Leeds

Job Type: Clerical & Administration

Application Deadline: 07-08-2025

About the RoleAre you an organised, proactive, and detail-oriented professional with a passion for delivering exceptional support services? WPS is looking for a Contract Support Lead to join our team in Leeds, supporting our client.This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the smooth financial and administrative operation of a high-profile facilities management contract.What You’ll Be Doing Managing financial processes including invoicing, WIP, debt, and accounts payable Procuring materials and services through internal and client systems Preparing and collating management reports (KPI, monthly, traffic light reports) Supporting holiday and overtime administration Acting as a vital communication link between management, staff, and the clientWhat We’re Looking For Proven experience in a Contract Support or similar administrative role Strong communication and interpersonal skills Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CAFM systems (e.g., Concept) A positive, professional, and collaborative attitudePreferred Qualifications: NVQ/SVQ in Customer Services (Level 1–4)To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting